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Enjoy lovely singletrack, lots of aspens, and a steep climb up Coyote Trail on this loop through Golden Gate.


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Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

Loop

9,437' 2,876 m

High

8,592' 2,619 m

Low

871' 266 m

Up

839' 256 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Heartier kids will enjoy this hike, especially if you take breaks through the infrequent tougher sections.

Overview

While there are many ways to link trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, this loop provides some of the best views of the Continental Divide while immersing hikers in a sea of aspens.

Description

Beginning at the Ole Barn Knoll parking area, follow the Mule Deer Trail heading north. At the first junction, turn right towards Coyote Trail, following this across the road and the Boot Bottom parking area. Follow the trail up about a mile of rocky switchbacks to a gorgeous westerly view at the top! Continue along Coyote Trail, meeting up with Mule Deer Trail again, all on great dirt/sandy singletrack through aspens and a few small meadows. At about 4.5 miles in, there is an option for the main (lower) Mule Deer Trail or the Mule Deer Trail - Alternate. This loop takes the alternate through slighty rocky terrain, but both lead back to the parking area to complete the loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sarah E

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 22 votes

#645

Overall
  4.5 from 22 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#131

in Colorado

#645

Overall
13 Views Last Month
5,302 Since Aug 27, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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57%
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Photos

Near the end you'll be rewarded with a great view of the ridge you climbed at the beginning.
Sep 17, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Fantastic mountain views on the Mule Deer Trail
Jun 24, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
The last stretch to Bootleg Bottom Parking
Jun 27, 2020 near Central…, CO
Mule Deer Trail
May 21, 2018 near Central…, CO
Flat singletrack
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
The start of the Coyote scramble. It's steep; make sure everyone in your party is okay with this kind of climb.
Sep 17, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 79 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 20, 2023
Kareem Yakub
Feb 26, 2023
Kaitlin Pfister-Minogue
8mi
Sep 23, 2022
Gina G
Dec 4, 2021
Ben norwood
Aug 21, 2021
Trevor Bolliger
Strenuous while going clockwise. Some technical sections near the top. Beautiful and worth it! 5.9mi
Aug 6, 2021
Hollis Vohr
Jun 15, 2021
Matt Kohn
May 2, 2021
Thomas Parsons
Spring snow squall came through and had to turn around and run back to jeep.
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